GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 4/4/19
Seats and Restraints 77
airbag causing the bag to break out
of the cover. The inflator, the airbag,
and related hardware are all part of
the airbag module.
For airbag locations, seeWhere Are
the Airbags? 074.
How Does an Airbag
Restrain?
In moderate to severe frontal or
near frontal collisions, even belted
occupants can contact the steering
wheel or the instrument panel. In
moderate to severe side collisions,
even belted occupants can contact
the inside of the vehicle.
Airbags supplement the protection
provided by seat belts by
distributing the force of the impact
more evenly over the
occupant's body.
Rollover capable roof-rail airbags
are designed to help contain the
head and chest of occupants in the
outboard seating positions in the
first and second rows. The rollover
capable roof-rail airbags are
designed to help reduce the risk of full or partial ejection in rollover
events, although no system can
prevent all such ejections.
But airbags would not help in many
types of collisions, primarily
because the occupant's motion is
not toward those airbags. See
When
Should an Airbag Inflate? 076.
Airbags should never be regarded
as anything more than a supplement
to seat belts.
What Will You See after
an Airbag Inflates?
After frontal and seat-mounted side
impact airbags inflate, they quickly
deflate, so quickly that some people
may not even realize the airbags
inflated. Roof-rail airbags may still
be at least partially inflated for some
time after they inflate. Some
components of the airbag module
may be hot for several minutes. For
location of the airbags, see Where
Are the Airbags? 074.
The parts of the airbag that come
into contact with you may be warm,
but not too hot to touch. There may be some smoke and dust coming
from the vents in the deflated
airbags. Airbag inflation does not
prevent the driver from seeing out of
the windshield or being able to steer
the vehicle, nor does it prevent
people from leaving the vehicle.
{Warning
When an airbag inflates, there
may be dust in the air. This dust
could cause breathing problems
for people with a history of
asthma or other breathing trouble.
To avoid this, everyone in the
vehicle should get out as soon as
it is safe to do so. If you have
breathing problems but cannot
get out of the vehicle after an
airbag inflates, then get fresh air
by opening a window or a door.
If you experience breathing
problems following an airbag
deployment, you should seek
medical attention.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 4/4/19
Instruments and Controls 121
depending on how long the
windshield washer had been
activated. SeeWasher Fluid0354
for information on filling the
windshield washer fluid reservoir.
Clear snow and ice from the wiper
blades before using them. If frozen
to the windshield, carefully loosen or
thaw them. Damaged blades should
be replaced. See Wiper Blade
Replacement 0364.
Heavy snow or ice can overload the
wiper motor.
{Warning
In freezing weather, do not use
the washer until the windshield is
warmed. Otherwise the washer
fluid can form ice on the
windshield, blocking your vision.
{Warning
Before driving the vehicle, always
clear snow and ice from the hood,
windshield, roof, and rear of the
vehicle, including all lamps and
windows. Reduced visibility from
snow and ice buildup could lead
to a crash.
Wipe Parking
If the ignition is turned off while the
wipers are on LO, HI, or
3, they
will immediately stop.
If the windshield wiper control is ON
then moved to OFF before the driver
door is opened or within 10 minutes,
the wipers will restart and move to
the base of the windshield.
If the ignition is turned off while the
wipers are performing wipes due to
windshield washing, the wipers
continue to run until they reach the
base of the windshield.
Compass
The vehicle may have a compass
display on the Driver Information
Center (DIC). The compass receives
its heading and other information
from the Global Positioning
System (GPS) antenna, Electronic
Stability Control (ESC), and vehicle
speed information.
The compass system is designed to
operate for a certain number of
miles or degrees of turn before
needing a signal from the GPS
satellites. When the compass
display shows CAL, drive the
vehicle for a short distance in an
open area where it can receive a
GPS signal. The compass system
will automatically determine when a
GPS signal is restored and provide
a heading again.
Clock
The time and date for the clock can
be set using the infotainment
system. See “Time/Date”in
“System” under“Settings” in the
infotainment manual.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 4/4/19
156 Instruments and Controls
Vehicle Messages
Messages displayed on the Driver
Information Center (DIC) indicate
the status of the vehicle or some
action that may be needed to
correct a condition. Multiple
messages may appear one after
another.
The messages that do not require
immediate action can be
acknowledged and cleared by
pressing the thumbwheel. The
messages that require immediate
action cannot be cleared until that
action is performed.
All messages should be taken
seriously; clearing the message
does not correct the problem.
If a SERVICE message appears,
see your dealer.
Follow the instructions given in the
messages. The system displays
messages regarding the following
topics:
.Service Messages
. Fluid Levels .
Vehicle Security
. Brakes
. Steering
. Ride Control Systems
. Driver Assistance Systems
. Cruise Control
. Lighting and Bulb Replacement
. Wiper/Washer Systems
. Doors and Windows
. Seat Belts
. Airbag Systems
. Engine and Transmission
. Tire Pressure
. Battery
Engine Power Messages
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays when the
vehicle's propulsion power is
reduced. A reduction in propulsion
power can affect the vehicle's ability
to accelerate. If this message is on,
but there is no observed reduction in performance, proceed to your
destination. The performance may
be reduced the next time the vehicle
is driven. The vehicle may be driven
while this message is on, but
maximum acceleration and speed
may be reduced. Anytime this
message stays on, or displays
repeatedly, the vehicle should be
taken to your dealer for service as
soon as possible.
Under certain operating conditions,
propulsion will be disabled. Try
restarting after the vehicle has been
off for 30 seconds.
Vehicle Speed Messages
SPEED LIMITED TO XXX KM/
H (MPH)
This message shows that the
vehicle speed has been limited to
the speed displayed. The limited
speed is a protection for various
propulsion and vehicle systems,
such as lubrication, thermal, brakes,
suspension, Teen Driver if
equipped, or tires.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Instruments and Controls 159
Touch Off, On - Driver and
Passenger, On - Driver, or On -
Passenger.
Remote Mirror Folding
When on, the outside mirrors will
remotely fold or unfold when the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter
QorKbutton is
pressed and held. See Folding
Mirrors 043.
Touch Off or On.
Lighting
Touch and the following may
display:
. Vehicle Locator Lights
. Exit Lighting
Vehicle Locator Lights
This setting flashes the vehicle’ s
headlamps when
Kis pressed on
the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter.
Touch Off or On. Exit Lighting
This setting specifies how long the
headlamps stay on after the vehicle
is turned off and exited.
Touch Off, 30 Seconds, 60 Seconds,
or 120 Seconds.
Power Door Locks
Touch and the following may
display:
.
Open Door Anti Lock Out
. Auto Door Unlock
. Delayed Door Lock
Open Door Anti Lock Out
This setting prevents the driver door
from locking when the door is open.
If this setting is on, the Delayed
Door Lock menu will not be
available.
Touch Off or On.
Auto Door Unlock
This setting allows selection of
which doors will automatically
unlock when the vehicle is shifted
into P (Park). Touch Off, All Doors, or Driver Door.
Delayed Door Lock
This setting delays the locking of
the vehicle’
s doors.
Touch Off or On.
Remote Lock, Unlock, Start
Touch and the following may
display:
. Remote Unlock Light Feedback
. Remote Lock Feedback
. Remote Door Unlock
. Remote Start Auto Cool Seats
. Remote Start Auto Heat Seats
. Remote Window Operation
. Passive Door Unlock
. Passive Door Lock
. Remote Left in Vehicle Alert
Remote Unlock Light Feedback
This setting flashes the exterior
lamps when the vehicle is unlocked
with the RKE transmitter.
Touch Off or Flash Lights.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 4/4/19
160 Instruments and Controls
Remote Lock Feedback
This setting specifies how the
vehicle responds when the vehicle
is locked with the RKE transmitter.
Touch Off, Lights and Horn, Lights
Only, or Horn Only.
Remote Door Unlock
This setting specifies whether all
doors, or just the driver door, unlock
when pressing
Kon the RKE
transmitter.
Touch All Doors or Driver Door.
Remote Start Auto Cool Seats
If equipped and turned on, this
feature will turn on the ventilated
seats when using remote start on
warm days. See Heated and
Ventilated Front Seats 061 and
Remote Vehicle Start 024.
Touch Off or On.
Remote Start Auto Heat Seats
If equipped and turned on, this
feature will turn on the heated seats
when using remote start on cold days. See
Heated and
Ventilated Front Seats 061 and
Remote Vehicle Start 024.
If equipped with Auto Heated
Steering Wheel, this feature will turn
on when the Remote Start Auto
Heated Seats turn on.
Touch Off or On.
Remote Window Operation
If equipped, this feature enables
remote operation of the windows
with the RKE transmitter. See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation (Key Access)
0 13 or
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation (Keyless Access)
0 15.
Touch Off or On.
Passive Door Unlock
This allows the selection of what
doors will unlock when using the
button on the driver door to unlock
the vehicle.
Touch Off, All Doors, or Driver
Door Only. Passive Door Lock
This allows passive locking to be
turned on or off and selects
feedback. See
Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation (Key
Access) 013 or
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation (Keyless Access)
0 15.
Touch Off, On with Horn
Chirp, or On.
Remote Left in Vehicle Alert
This feature sounds an alert when
the RKE transmitter is left in the
vehicle. This menu also enables
Remote No Longer In Vehicle Alert.
Touch Off or On.
Seating Position
Touch and the following may
display:
. Seat Entry Memory
. Seat Exit Memory
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 4/4/19
174 Lighting
The exterior lamps and dome lamp
remain on for a set amount of time,
then automatically turn off.
The exterior lamps turn off
immediately by turning the exterior
lamp control off.
This feature can be changed. See
Vehicle Personalization0157.
Battery Load
Management
The vehicle has Electric Power
Management (EPM), which
estimates the battery's temperature
and state of charge. It then adjusts
the voltage for best performance
and extended life of the battery.
When the battery's state of charge
is low, the voltage is raised slightly
to quickly bring the charge back up.
When the state of charge is high,
the voltage is lowered slightly to
prevent overcharging. The voltmeter
gauge or the voltage display on the
Driver Information Center (DIC),
if equipped, may show the voltage moving up or down. This is normal.
If there is a problem, an alert will be
displayed.
The battery can be discharged at
idle if the electrical loads are very
high. This is true for all vehicles.
This is because the generator
(alternator) may not be spinning fast
enough at idle to produce all the
power that is needed for very high
electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when
several of the following are on, such
as: headlamps, high beams, fog
lamps, rear window defogger,
climate control fan at high speed,
heated seats, engine cooling fans,
trailer loads, and loads plugged into
accessory power outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive
discharge of the battery. It does this
by balancing the generator's output
and the vehicle's electrical needs.
It can increase engine idle speed to
generate more power, whenever
needed. It can temporarily reduce
the power demands of some
accessories.Normally, these actions occur in
steps or levels, without being
noticeable. In rare cases at the
highest levels of corrective action,
this action may be noticeable to the
driver. If so, a DIC message might
be displayed and it is recommended
that the driver reduce the electrical
loads as much as possible.
Battery Power Protection
This feature shuts off the dome and
reading lamps, if they are left on for
more than 10 minutes after the
ignition is turned off. The cargo
lamp shuts off after 20 minutes. This
prevents the battery from
running down.
Exterior Lighting Battery
Saver
The exterior lamps turn off about
10 minutes after the ignition is
turned off, if the parking lamps or
headlamps have been manually left
on. This protects against draining
the battery. To restart the 10-minute
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Climate Controls 177
Climate Controls
Climate Control Systems
Climate Control Systems . . . . . 177
Dual Automatic ClimateControl System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Air Vents
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Maintenance
Passenger Compartment AirFilter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Climate Control Systems
The heating, cooling, and ventilation in the vehicle can be controlled with this
system.
1. Fan Control
2. MAX Defrost
3. Air Delivery Mode Controls
4. A/C (Air Conditioning)
5. TEMP (Temperature Control)
6. Recirculation
7. Rear Window Defogger (If
Equipped) or Heated Mirrors (If
Equipped)9:Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or
decrease the fan speed. Turn the
knob all the way counterclockwise
to turn the fan off.
TEMP : Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or
decrease the temperature inside the
vehicle.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13337776) - 2020 - CRC - 4/4/19
178 Climate Controls
Air Delivery Mode Controls :
Press
z,Y, or[to change the
direction of the airflow. Any
combination of the three controls
can be selected. An indicator light
comes on in the selected mode
button.
To change the current mode, select
one or more of the following. An
indicator light will illuminate:
z: Air is directed to the
windshield, outboard a/c outlets,
and side window outlets.
Y: Air is directed to the a/c outlets.
[:Air is directed to the floor
outlets, with some air directed to the
windshield, outboard a/c outlets,
and side window outlets.
0MAX : Air is directed to the
windshield and the fan runs at a
higher speed if not already above a
medium fan speed. This mode
overrides the previous mode
selected and clears fog or frost from
the windshield more quickly. When the control is pressed again, the
system returns to the previous mode
setting and fan speed.
For best results, clear all snow and
ice from the windshield before
defrosting.
@:
Press to turn on recirculation.
An indicator light comes on. Air is
recirculated to quickly cool the
inside of the vehicle. It can also be
used to help reduce outside air and
odors that enter the vehicle.
Avoid using recirculation for long
periods of time in cold or damp
conditions. Using recirculation in
cold or damp conditions can result
in window fogging.
A/C : Press to turn the air
conditioning on or off. An indicator
light comes on to show that the air
conditioning is enabled. If the fan is
turned off, the air conditioner will not
run. The A/C light will stay on even
if the outside temperatures are
below freezing.
Rear Window Defogger
1REAR : If equipped, press to
turn the rear window defogger on or
off. An indicator light on the button
comes on to show that the rear
window defogger is on.
The rear window defogger only
works when the engine is running.
The defogger turns off if the ignition
is turned off or to ACC/
ACCESSORY.
If equipped with heated outside
mirrors, press
fto turn them on or
off. See Heated Mirrors 044.
Caution
Using a razor blade or sharp
object to clear the inside rear
window can damage the rear
window defogger. Repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not clear the inside
rear window with sharp objects.